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Photonics Engineers

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeModerate pressure

What they do

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $122,930 Median per year · $59.10/hr Most earn $66,810–$189,950

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
  • Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
  • Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
  • Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.
  • Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.

Job outlook

United States
4% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 8,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service21.8%
  • Engineering services11.0%
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences6.5%
  • Self-employed (their own business)5.2%
  • Management of companies and enterprises4.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Photonics engineering is not usually an entry-level job. Most people earn a bachelor's degree and then spend roughly 2 to 4 years in related work, such as technician or lab roles, before taking on engineering duties. Pay varies, so check the career page for ranges near you.

  1. Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or optical engineering

    4 years

    You learn the math and physics of light, electronics, and circuits, and you can do lab work with lasers and fiber optics. This foundation is what employers look for in every later step.

  2. Photonics Technician

    1-2 years

    You build, test, and align optical systems under an engineer's direction, which teaches you how real light-based equipment works. This hands-on experience prepares you to design it yourself.

  3. Photonics Engineer

    2-4 years of related experience before this job

    You design laser, fiber optic, or other light-based technologies and take them from idea to working product. Many people reach this role after a bachelor's degree plus internships or early work in related jobs.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Photonics Engineer

    5+ years in photonics engineering of experience first

    You lead bigger design projects, mentor junior engineers, and make more of the technical decisions. Strong results and deeper expertise in one area usually help you move up.

  2. Microsystems Engineer

    4-6 years of experience first

    You work on very small integrated systems that combine optical, electrical, and mechanical parts. A master's degree is typically needed, and it opens a more specialized track.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take physics and advanced mathStrong physics, especially on light and waves, and calculus give you the foundation you will need for any engineering major.
  • Join a robotics or science clubBuilding and testing projects teaches teamwork and hands-on problem solving, which are everyday skills for engineers.
  • Enter a science fair or engineering competitionPresenting a project on optics, lasers, or light sensors shows your interest and helps you learn how to test ideas carefully.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer in a lab or tech shopAny hands-on work with tools, electronics, or equipment helps you get comfortable in a workplace and builds practical skills.

In college

  • Major in electrical engineering, physics, or optical engineeringThese majors cover the light, electronics, and math skills that photonics engineers use every day.
  • Apply for an internship or research position in a labWorking on real optics or laser projects gives you experience employers look for when hiring for this career.
  • Join an optics, photonics, or engineering student groupClubs like these connect you with peers, speakers, and sometimes employers in the field.
  • Take a campus job as a lab assistant or tutorHelping with lab equipment or teaching others strengthens your technical skills and communication.
  • Learn design and simulation softwareExperience with CAD or optical simulation tools can make your resume stand out when you apply for technician or engineering roles.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for summer internships or co-op jobs at companies that work with lasers, optics, or fiber networks. Hands-on experience often matters as much as grades when you apply for your first job.
  • Take the math and physics courses seriously, especially calculus, differential equations, and electromagnetism. These are the core skills behind every photonics design.
  • Learn to use design and simulation software, and keep a short portfolio of lab or project work. It helps you show what you can do even if you have little job experience.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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